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17-Month Extension of OPT Fact Sheet

The Department of Homeland Security published new federal regulations governing Optional
Practical Training on April 8, 2008. These regulations allow for a 17-month extension
of post-completion Optional Practical Training (for a total period of 29 months) provided
that certain conditions are met.

· The applicant must be currently authorized for a 12-month period of post-completion
OPT and working for a US employer in a job directly related to the student's field
of study

· The applicant must be in "course complete" in a bachelor's, master's or doctoral
degree in a field on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list, from a SEVIS-certified
US college or university (see the "STEM" section below) Students MUST complete their
degree by the end of the 17 month period.

· At the time of application for the 17-month extension, the applicant must have a
job offer or be employed by an employer registered with the "E-Verify" federal employment
verification system. For more information on "E-Verify," see the "E-Verify" section
below. 17-month extension of OPT applicants may work multiple jobs, but all the employers
must be enrolled in E-Verify

· The applicant must not have previously received a 17-month extension of OPT after
earning a STEM degree

· The applicant must apply for the 17-month extension of OPT through the ISSS at Binghamton
University. The ISSS must recommend the extension and issue a new I-20 with the recommendation
noted

· The applicant applies for the extension using form I-765 with fee (currently $380.00) to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services Lockbox Facility having jurisdiction
over the applicant's current place of residence

· The applicant must submit the extension application in a timely manner to ensure
it is received by USCIS before the current period of OPT expires. USCIS recommends
that students file within 90-120 days before the expiration of the current OPT

· An applicant who submits a timely application but whose current EAD card expires
while the application is pending may continue employment while the 17-month extension
of OPT application is pending until a final decision is made, or for 180 days, whichever
comes first

STEM Information

Your most recent degree must be in a field of study that is on the Federal Government’s
approved list of STEM Fields.

S = Science

T = Technology

E = Engineering

M = Mathematics

STEM Fields include

·Actuarial Science

·Computer Science Applications

·Engineering

·Engineering Technologies

·Biological and Biomedical Sciences

·Mathematics and Statistics

·Military Technologies

·Physical Sciences

·Science Technologies

·Medical Scientist (MS, PhD)

A detailed list of all STEM fields approved by the federal government is available
at:

E-Verify was formerly known as the Basic Pilot/Employment Eligibility Verification
Program. E-Verify is an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland
Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration. E-Verify allows participating
employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired
employees.

An F-1 applicant applying for a 17-month extension of OPT can only do so if at the
time of filing, the applicant is employed by, or has a job offer with, an E-Verify
participating employer. The employer must provide the applicant with the company's
E verify name and company I.D. number, which are required on the I-765 Application
for Employment Authorization.

Binghamton University is now required by federal regulation to continue to maintain
an applicant's SEVIS record for the full period of Optional Practical Training, including
any extension.

The applicant must agree to report the following information to the Office of International
Student and Scholar Services within ten days of the change:

· Change of name

· Change of residential or mailing address

· Name and address of employer

· Change in the name or address of employer

· When employment changes or terminates

The applicant must also agree to fill out the online report found on the ISSS web
page every six months to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services
to verify the above information.

The employer must agree to report the termination or departure of the applicant to
the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, or through any other process
chosen by the Department of Homeland Security.

Limits on Unemployment

Applicants granted a 17-month extension of OPT may not accrue an aggregate of more
then 120 days of unemployment during the total 29-month OPT period. More than 120
days of unemployment may affect negatively affect eligibility for future US immigration
benefits. An applicant may provide documentation for the adjudicator to consider any
extenuating circumstances.

Expiry of Current EAD Card While 17-Month Extension of OPT Application Is Pending

Provided that the applicant has submitted a timely and correctly filed application
for a 17-Month Extension of OPT to the USCIS Lockbox Facility, if the applicant has
not received notice of the approval of the extension application before the current
EAD card's expiration date, the applicant's EAD card is extended automatically pursuant
to the terms and conditions specified in 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(6)(iv). This means that
the expired card will remain valid until USCIS makes a decision on the extension application
or for a period not to exceed 180 days.

Travel While 17-Month Extension of OPT Application is Pending and if Current EAD Card
Has Expired

A person who has applied for a 17-month extension of OPT, whose current EAD card has
expired, cannot travel outside the United States, even if employed, until the new
EAD card is received.